I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! My mom is trying to create her FSA ID from the UK and we keep hitting the same loop you described. It's so frustrating that they claim the system is "simplified" but it seems like it's actually harder for international parents than before. I'm going to try the Firefox browser solution mentioned here - I had no idea that different browsers could cause such different results with government websites. Has anyone had success with the special email address that was mentioned? I'm wondering if that might be faster than waiting for the document verification process.

This thread has been so helpful! I'm a new parent trying to navigate this system for the first time and I had no idea there were so many technical workarounds needed. My husband is from Australia and we've been stuck in this exact same loop for about 3 weeks now. I'm going to try both the Firefox browser method and email the special FSAID.international@ed.gov address. It's really frustrating that these solutions aren't documented anywhere official - thank goodness for communities like this where people share what actually works! Quick question: for those who successfully got through the process, did you need to have any specific documents ready beyond just the passport? I want to make sure I have everything prepared before we attempt this again.

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I'm marking December 1st on my calendar and will look for the renewal option. It's good to know I keep my FSA ID but still need to file a new application. And I appreciate the tips about filing early for priority deadlines and using the Professional Judgment process if our financial situation changes. This has been really helpful!

Just wanted to add one more thing that might help - when you do fill out the 2025-2026 FAFSA in December, make sure you're on the official studentaid.gov website. There are a lot of scam sites that charge fees for "help" with FAFSA when the real application is completely free. I almost fell for one of those sites my first time around! Also, if you run into technical issues (which unfortunately happen pretty often with the FAFSA website), don't panic - just try again later or early in the morning when there's less traffic on the site.

Update: I took everyone's advice and reported only my income from my W-2. I also prepared a folder with my divorce decree, 2022 tax return, and W-2s in case of verification. Got notification that I was selected for verification (not surprised based on everyone's comments), and I've already submitted all the documentation to my daughter's school. The financial aid counselor said this happens all the time with divorce situations and they should be able to process everything within 2 weeks. Thanks for all your help!

This thread has been incredibly helpful! As someone going through a similar situation (divorced in late 2023), I was completely lost on how to handle the income reporting. The advice about only reporting your own W-2 income and being prepared for verification with organized documentation is exactly what I needed to hear. It's reassuring to know this is a common situation and that financial aid offices are familiar with handling it. I'm going to start gathering my documents now - divorce decree, 2022 tax return, and W-2s - so I'm ready when verification comes. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences!

One more thing to keep in mind: When you submit your FAFSA this way, your calculated SAI (Student Aid Index, formerly EFC) will be based primarily on your dad's income since your mom had none. This is exactly how the system is designed to work, so don't worry that you're doing anything wrong. The main thing is to be truthful about your current family situation (parents are married) and the 2022 financial information (only dad filed taxes, mom had no income).

I just went through something very similar! My parents got married in late 2022, but my mom hadn't worked or filed taxes that year either. What really helped me was keeping all the documentation organized from the start. Make sure you save screenshots of each page as you complete the FAFSA showing your mom's "Will not file" status and $0 income entries. Also, if your dad's tax return shows your mom as a dependent, keep a copy of that handy too - it actually supports your story if questions come up later. The whole process felt overwhelming at first, but once I submitted it, everything went smoothly. Your school's financial aid office can also be super helpful if you run into any roadblocks - they deal with these situations all the time!

One more thing - create a college spreadsheet NOW in 8th grade. Track potential schools with these columns: - Sticker price (tuition, room, board, fees) - Average merit award for students with your child's academic profile - Special scholarship programs they offer - Net price calculator results - Application requirements and deadlines This helps avoid senior year panic and makes it easier to compare options. You'd be surprised how many "expensive" private schools end up cheaper than state options once merit aid is applied. Oh, and have your student take the PSAT seriously in 11th grade - National Merit status can trigger big scholarships!

As someone who just went through this process with twins (both now college sophomores), I can't emphasize enough how much the landscape has changed even in the last few years. A few things I wish I'd known earlier: 1. Don't overlook regional private colleges - they often have more flexibility with merit aid than big-name schools. My daughter got a better package from a smaller liberal arts college than from our state flagship. 2. Consider the "demonstrated interest" factor. Some schools track whether you've visited, attended virtual sessions, or engaged with admissions. This can impact merit aid decisions. 3. Look into Presidential/Chancellor scholarships at target schools - these are often full or near-full rides based on academics and leadership, not financial need. 4. Start building the "whole student" profile now - colleges want well-rounded applicants for their top merit scholarships. Community service, leadership positions, and unique experiences matter as much as grades. The stress is real, but starting early like you are puts you way ahead of most families! Focus on building your daughter's academic profile while researching schools that align with both her interests and your financial strategy.